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Program Overview
As a Mental Health technician, you'll provide front-line care and support to patients facing mental health challenges. With a blend of empathy, communication skills, and clinical knowledge, you’ll help patients navigate their journey toward healing.
As members of the multidisciplinary health-care team in mental-health services, mental health technicians work in various facilities, including hospitals, residential treatment centers, outpatient clinics and other areas, assisting with the care of patients with behavioral and developmental disorders.
Mental Health Technicians provide support to patients, ensuring their needs are met through assisting with activities of daily living and more. You can prepare for this role by taking courses in psychology, nursing and health sciences.
This 17 credit-hour program will help with the Level 1 exam for national certification from the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT). This certification is designed to allow completers to gain recognition as nursing paraprofessionals leading to better wages and advancement.
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| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CNA 111 | Nursing Assistant Training | 4 |
| CNA 112 | Nursing Assistant Training: Clinical Experience | 2 |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 228 | Psychology of Human Development | 3 |
| NUR 115 | Concepts of Psychiatric Care | 2 |
| NUR 230 | Mental Health Communities and Practicum | 3 |
| Total Hours | 17 | |
Mental Health technicians are in strong demand in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin region, with job growth expected to increase by 6.5% over the next 7 years. Some of the most common job titles posted include Behavior Health Technicians, Mental Health Technicians, Psych Technicians and Behavioral Health Specialists.
Top Chicago-area employers include Ascension, Northwestern Medicine, Northshore University
Health System, and the State of Illinois. To learn more visit the Mental Health Technician Career Profile
(Source: Lightcast)
For more information about starting your nursing education at Harper, please contact Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.